A new life for Ron Dennis!

Dennis will focus on the development of McLaren Automotive, which will become an independent company and whose ambition is to launch production of the first McLaren sports car in 2011.

“I passed on the role of Team Principal of the Vodafone McLaren team-Mercedes to Martin Whitmarsh at the launch of the new car,” Dennis emphasized at the press conference in Woking. “That day, I said that I would be present at the Australian GP. It was, I must admit, quite strange to be there without having any responsibility. I followed the following race on television in England? an activity that I found surprisingly easy. I thought it would be more difficult after having done so many GPs over all these years. »

“I admit that I am not always the easiest to be around. I admit that I have always fought hard for McLaren in Formula 1. I doubt Max Mosley or Bernie Ecclestone will be sad about my decision, but no one asked me to leave. It's mine. Likewise, I am the architect of the restructuring of McLaren Group. I am very excited about the future plans of McLaren Group and McLaren Automotive, and I have not the slightest concern about leaving the F1 activities in Martin's hands. »

McLaren also announced the appointment of Richard Lapthorne as Non-Executive Chairman of McLaren Group and Non-Executive Director of McLaren Automotive.

“This is a very exciting time to join McLaren Group and to work closely with Ron and his team on the expansion of McLaren Automotive into the sports car market,” he said. “It is a rare opportunity to be involved in the development of a British sports car company with such pedigree and global reputation. »